By Angela Higginbotham
angela@floridanewsline.com
A native Floridian, Nicole Crouch grew up in South Florida and studied education at the University of Florida. While in Gainesville, Crouch met her husband of 26 years, Alan, currently an instructor at Ribault High School and a former member of the United States Marine Corps. Serving in the Marine Corps led to 20 years of traveling for the couple and their two children. Crouch spent her career mostly working with private companies and she retired to Durbin Crossing in St. Johns County.
Passionate about helping students reach their highest potential, in 2013, Crouch and her husband opened a successful tutoring franchise in St. Johns, Mathnasium. Feeling called to help the community through exceptional math help for students is work that Crouch is proud to do. Also passionate about reaching her own highest potential, Crouch has followed a significant weight loss journey over the past 15 months. She encourages others to consider a lifestyle that will encourage good health, both physically and mentally.
- What do you enjoy most about living in St. Johns County?
I love the community. Our business is here and we are proud of that. I enjoy the weather and the people. It’s just a great place to live.
- How did your weight loss journey begin and what was the process of your success?
Like most women, I was just busy and focused on raising my children. I felt that I had lost myself somewhere along the way. I was approaching 50 years old and feeling broken. I say I wanted to be fit before 50. We were empty nesters and I was tired and out of shape. I met Joey at Sculptafit and loved what they had to offer women. I started in September of 2016 and I’ve lost 100 lbs. in a controlled, safe, natural way and by eating well. The program tailors to anyone’s needs and fitness level. My mind and body feel in alignment again and I have so much more energy to do my work at Mathnasium and whatever else I want to do.
- What advice would you offer someone who is struggling with a health or weight issue?
My advice would be to just take the first step of acknowledging the need to make a change and then change one thing in your routine or eating habits. Make a commitment to that one change and then a lot of other things will fall into place.
- What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Raising well rounded and successful children. Our daughter is a student at the University of Florida and our son is in the Marine Corps. Raising them well has always been my main goal and my life’s focus. Helping them become well adjusted, good citizens is my greatest accomplishment. I am very proud of them.
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spending time with my husband. We enjoy our church. We often travel on the weekends. We like going to Disney and also visiting our daughter at school. We try to stay active and we spend time at the gym and take walks.
Photo courtesy Nicole Crouch
Nicole Crouch with Kekoa
